This report was generated to serve as a reference document for Musika and its implementing partners. Musika Development Initiatives Zambia Ltd (Musika) is a non-profit company that works to stimulate private sector investments in rural and agricultural markets.
Musika facilitates the creation of mutually beneficial market linkages that support improved access to markets, by rural poor smallholder farmers, and also stimulates higher levels of farmer investment in production and productivity. There is evidence of improved production, productivity and income among rural smallholder farmers accessing improved markets, that is why this study sought to find out the indirect effects of Musika’s work or interventions not only on the targeted beneficiaries but the community as a whole. It is hypothesised that households, with improved income, are capable of investing more in their production by engaging additional inputs and labour, starting up small businesses (SMEs), increasing their household expenditure on food, health and education. Because of this increased demand for various products and services, the local community tends to benefit as some will be employed, businesses will thrive and this is all due to the increased financial capacity of the household.
Musika conducted a survey in Southern Province to determine the spin-off effects of improved market access. It focused on an intervention providing livestock services such as dipping, spraying, extension services and off-take opportunities to local cattle farmers. The study captured a total of 116 farmers from both intervention and non-intervention areas but the majority of the farmers interviewed (105 farmers) were from the intervention area. The 2016/17 agricultural season was used as the reference period. The study had particularly looked at the benefits, challenges and overall community welfare2 that could be attributed to the improved market access by farmers.